RJ Cipriani, a figure known for his role in the downfall of Paramount president Jeff Shell, asserts he has provided a significant story regarding former NBA star Gilbert Arenas to ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith. Cipriani claims he approached Smith at a Beverly Hills hotel bar and informed him that federal authorities are investigating Arenas and his alleged ties to organized crime.
Cipriani stated that he told Smith, whom he described as a journalist, that the New York federal investigation into Arenas should be of interest. He suggested that Smith, as a journalist, should look into the matter. Arenas has pleaded not guilty to charges and is reportedly expected to stand trial in November.
However, Stephen A. Smith has refuted Cipriani's account, calling it a "flat-out lie." Smith stated that the interaction was limited to exchanging pleasantries when Cipriani introduced himself while Smith was with another individual. Smith indicated that this other person could corroborate his version of events.
The federal investigation into Arenas is not entirely unknown, as the Department of Justice has previously released information detailing the arrest of a former NBA star and a suspected Israeli crime figure. The indictment alleged high-stakes illegal poker games at an Encino mansion. Arenas's lawyer has previously stated that his client is presumed innocent.
Cipriani is known for a past legal dispute involving Paramount's former president, Jeff Shell, and others at the company. He had subpoenaed several prominent figures during that situation before reaching a settlement. According to Cipriani, he was at The Peninsula hotel with his wife when he encountered Smith. He claims Smith was with another individual and that at one point, the other man showed Smith an article on his phone, which turned out to be about Cipriani himself.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who recently finalized a lucrative contract with the Disney-owned network, has been a subject of internal discussion at ESPN due to budget cuts and layoffs occurring concurrently with his deal. Ari Emanuel's WME agency was involved in negotiating Smith's five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN.